Security guards are often the first on-site individuals to recognize an emergency and respond. Their actions can make all the difference in preventing an incident from getting out of hand until first responders arrive.
They work with a sense of urgency and must always be on point. A short attention span or disengagement won’t get you far as a security guard. Click the Private Security Company Baltimore to learn more.
The duties of a security guard are to monitor and patrol buildings or grounds, check personnel entering and exiting the building, operate X-ray equipment, ensure the safety of doors, gates, and fences, respond to alarms that indicate an intruder or fire, provide customer service, and act as a deterrent to crime. Guards may also monitor surveillance systems and collaborate with law enforcement during investigations of serious incidents.
Being highly visible is a major aspect of security guard duties, as it effectively deter potential criminal acts. Most shoplifters, burglars, and muggers will rethink their plan of action when they see a uniformed security guard walking around their assigned area on duty. The presence of a security guard can also prevent graffiti, property damage, and theft by making it obvious that an individual is watching for and observing all activities in the area.
Security guards are tasked with following the details of a security management plan and communicating with law enforcement officers when they suspect or witness suspicious activity. They undergo extensive training and participate in drills to prepare for emergency situations. In crowded settings like events, they help to maintain order and security protocols.
Guards are also tasked with keeping up with all changes to their security plans and the requirements of their employers, as well as ensuring that they have the proper credentials to be on the premises. A good security guard is detail-oriented and must be able to make reports that are clear and accurate.
Security officers are trained in law enforcement techniques, which allows them to conduct investigations and apprehend individuals who have committed crimes on the premises they protect. They are also tasked with maintaining order during events that are held at the facilities they are charged with protecting, providing first aid assistance to employees and guests when medical emergencies arise, and acting as the liaison between the police department and other emergency services.
The duties of a security guard and a security officer differ slightly, as the latter has a greater level of responsibility and is required to have a higher level of education. While there is a distinction between the roles, many people who work in the industry use both titles interchangeably and do not understand the difference between the two positions.
Security Supervisor
As a security supervisor, you oversee and coordinate the activities of your team members who protect people and property at commercial or residential buildings, hospitals, schools, and other facilities. Your duties include scheduling shifts, logging daily activity, responding to security incidents, and communicating with your company superiors on the status of your security team. You also train security guards and help ensure that they follow company policies and procedures.
Your security supervisor duties also involve protecting sensitive information and assets at your facility, whether that involves the financial data of a bank or the computer systems of an insurance agency. You may even be asked to protect remote operations centers like control rooms for traffic control or military operation centers. In these cases, you will use the same security protocols as you would for an office space, but you might be required to escort employees who are working with classified information.
You also patrol the premises to ensure that only authorized personnel are entering and exiting, and you can operate a variety of equipment, including x-ray machines and metal detectors. You might also be responsible for providing customer service and helping to train new guards. Your responsibilities also include monitoring alarms and dispatching police or fire services in the event of a security incident.
A good security supervisor has strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. You also need to have an analytical mind and the ability to recognize potential threats and take action accordingly. You should be able to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally, and you need to be physically fit enough to stand or walk for long periods of time.
You need a high school diploma or equivalent, and you can pursue additional security-related certifications to improve your career prospects. Experience in a similar role and familiarity with security systems are also desirable. You need to be comfortable making decisions on your own and following established protocols, but you should also know when to seek assistance from other security professionals. You should also have a valid driver’s license and be available to work shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Security Manager
Guards who have worked in the field for a while can move into a managerial role and take charge of a team. Managers will be in charge of creating a security plan and training their team on the most effective ways to carry out those plans. This will help to prevent any issues and ensure that everything goes smoothly in the event of a security threat or accident.
Managers will also be in charge of monitoring the property they are responsible for. This could mean watching security cameras, visiting the site, or even patrolling. A good manager will be able to identify any suspicious activity or people on the premises and take action to keep everyone safe. They will be able to quickly assess a situation and de-escalate it as necessary.
Depending on the industry and location, the workplace for a security manager can be a variety of different environments. This may include a business office, a bank, or a transportation hub. Security managers will usually be responsible for a combination of indoor and outdoor locations, where they will monitor security camera systems from a control room, greet visitors at the front desk, or patrol hallways to keep a look out for anything that seems out of place.
Local neighborhoods and apartment complexes also utilize security management professionals to provide a continual presence and deter crime. Residential security managers will often conduct night patrols, control community access, and respond to neighborhood security incidents. Businesses and corporate sites need a dedicated security team to ensure that their staff, assets, and equipment are protected. Corporate security managers will oversee the team and train employees on security best practices, function as an on-site liaison to emergency services, and manage security camera and alarm systems.
A security manager must have excellent leadership skills in order to carry out their job duties. They must be able to handle a large amount of responsibility and work long hours as they are in charge of ensuring the safety of all of their team members. They will be tasked with coordinating security for special and high-risk events, and they must be able to prepare financial reports regarding the company’s security budget. They will often attend meetings and conferences in order to stay up-to-date on executive, legislative directives or new technologies that impact their operations.
Security Director
A security director is responsible for overseeing the safety and security of a large organization’s facilities, property, and people. They manage a team of security guards and surveillance personnel who patrol the grounds to protect against theft, fire, vandalism, terrorism, and other threats. They are also responsible for implementing and managing the organization’s security risk management plan. They must be able to communicate effectively with the organization’s employees, local law enforcement, and community members.
Security directors must keep their team informed of the latest threats and security measures by participating in various security committees and providing regular updates to executive leadership. In addition, they must be able to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities. A typical day may include monitoring a network for vulnerabilities, jumping on incident response calls, or conducting a physical security audit.
In addition to these duties, security directors are expected to create and implement training programs for their security staff. They must be able to work with a wide range of departments, including HR, IT, and legal, to ensure that all security policies and protocols are being followed.
Depending on the company, they may be required to provide security services at multiple locations, so it is important that they have the ability to travel and be on site for extended periods of time. They must be able to pass background checks and drug tests, as well as be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
A security director should have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as law enforcement, military, or business. Many begin their career in an entry-level security position, such as a security specialist or security manager, to gain the necessary experience. Many also choose to pursue professional certifications, such as the information systems security professional (CISSP) or the certified information security manager (CISM), to bolster their skills and knowledge. To become a security director, candidates should have at least seven years of security management or supervisory experience. Those with previous experience in law enforcement or the military are highly desirable. They should also be able to pass a background check and drug test and have a valid driver’s license.